ROCKWOOL: Technical characteristics and comparison of insulation. Rockwool insulation - types, technical characteristics, use of Rockwool for roofing

If you strive to live in peace and comfort, then, like many others, you must be trying to protect your home from extraneous noise. Related issues here will be the insulation of the building and its protection from the summer heat. Quite often, materials based on mineral wool. They allow you to solve the problems described above. In general, to the category "mineral wool", according to state standards include products that are classified into several varieties, among them: glass and slag wool.

For reference

Reviews

The products described are quite competitive; according to consumers, they have many positive features, among which the following should be highlighted:

  • fire safety;
  • acoustic comfort;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • durability;
  • ability to retain heat.

When exposed to fire, mineral wool will prevent its spread. This sometimes allows you to create suitable conditions to save people. The fibers can undergo heating up to 1000 °C. In the event of a fire, structures covered with mineral wool can become protective.

When exposed to extreme heat, the layer of cotton wool does not smoke and does not become a source of molten droplets. Rockwool mineral wool, according to buyers, provides acoustic comfort. The slabs are able to absorb structural, vibration and other noise. The protective layer copes with these tasks more effectively compared to similar materials. The manufacturer managed to achieve this property thanks to the chaotic interweaving of fibers, between which air cavities are formed that communicate with each other.

Why choose Rockwool

Mineral wool has been awarded the EcoMaterialGreen safety mark, which indicates environmental friendliness. Thermal insulation can be used in buildings for any purpose, even for insulating children's rooms. The product has a positive This indicates that the energy saved exceeds the energy costs of production.

Consumers also like durability. It is provided by a special structure that guarantees dimensional stability and rigidity. You do not have to worry about deformation of the slabs, which do not shrink during their entire service life. Buyers especially emphasize that mineral wool does an excellent job of retaining heat.

It has a low thermal conductivity coefficient. The material can be compared to a wall made of timber. The same amount of heat will pass through a 100 mm layer of insulation and a 440 mm layer of timber. These parameters can be compared with brickwork, the thickness of which reaches 1960 mm.

Specifications

Rockwool mineral wool is an insulation material that has outstanding technical characteristics. For example, the thermal conductivity coefficient is equal to the limit from 0.036 to 0.038 W/mK. These parameters are among the best among the insulation materials of the described class. The most commonly used thickness is 50 mm. Shrinkage of the canvas does not occur even after prolonged use.

The structure is unique; it involves a chaotic arrangement of fibers. This difference can be identified when comparing mineral wool with fiberglass - in the latter, the threads are located almost longitudinally. This quality has a positive effect on rigidity and tear resistance. The fibers interact with each other, so the insulation, even when installed vertically, does not fold under its own weight.

Rockwool affects thermal conductivity. The relationship between mass and volume is inverse. The lower the density, the higher the thermal conductivity will be. The mentioned characteristic is equal to the limit of 35-37 kg/m 3. During the production process, the material is treated with water-repellent oils; they provide hydrophobicity, which is expressed in the ability not to absorb, but to repel moisture. This feature can be called unique, because in a humid environment the material does not collapse. Therefore, it can be used even in damp rooms.

Rockwool insulation has a fairly high vapor permeability, it is 0.25 mg/(m·h·Pa). Thermal insulation allows air and steam to pass through. This has a positive effect, because condensation does not accumulate during operation, and the walls breathe freely. The insulation can also perform sound insulation functions. The wave, passing through the insulation layer, is attenuated, and sound is absorbed.

Compressibility and bioinertness

The structure of the insulation is unique and has many air pores, so the material is easily compressed - it can change its size by 30% from its original volume. Fibers have a certain melting point, so in the event of a fire, the material will be able to protect structures from fire, inhibiting the process of pore destruction. The insulation begins to melt at 1000 °C. Rockwool insulation is also good because it is not capable of becoming a suitable environment for the life of living organisms. This applies not only to bacteria, but also to small rodents.

50 mm insulation

50 mm Rockwool mineral wool has a durable binder among its ingredients. The material is used for thermal insulation of pipes, roofs and walls. It can become part of construction and engineering industrial buildings, office premises and residential buildings. Insulation can be used for internal floors.

A truly exclusive product is Sandik slabs, which are produced specifically for private housing construction. At the final stage, the canvas is compressed, which saves space during transportation. The material is compressed by 60%.

The thermal conductivity of Rockwool mineral wool is quite low. The edges of such products can spring back, so installation is quick and simple. Water absorption by volume is 1.5%. The material is transported in vacuum packaging, so the consumer no longer has to transport air. You will transport only material.

It should be laid horizontally, and covered vehicles are recommended for transportation. The described material is manufactured in standard size, which is equal to 800x600 mm. As an example of a 50 mm slab, you can also consider “Light Butts”, which is specially designed for lightweight roofing coverings and lightweight structures.

The Rockwool company produces high-quality thermal insulation, widely used in a wide variety of areas. Stone cotton wool ROCKWOOL is one of the most popular insulation materials. It is environmentally friendly, durable and has a long service life.

The description of ROCKWOOL can begin with the fact that insulation is an inorganic and natural product manufactured through special technology, which involves the fusion of mineral rock. Materials such as gabbro and basalt are used as raw materials in the production process.

What are the pros and cons of Rockwool? The main purpose is the formation of effective sound and heat insulating structures. High strength of such products is provided by fibers arranged in a chaotic manner. One of important features stone wool - its non-flammability. It is made from rocks with a melting point of 1500 °C.

The scope of use is quite wide: it is used for insulating walls, floors, roofs, internal and external partitions, building facades, as well as for pipes and non-residential structures.

Specifications Rockwool:

  • height – 1000, 1200 mm;
  • width – 500, 600 mm;
  • thickness – from 40-2000 mm;
  • density from 30 – 210 kg/m3.

The disadvantages of such products include the fact that they often become a habitat for various rodents, so their installation must be treated with special care. In addition, there are suggestions of harm from Rockwool basalt wool, since its production uses compounds such as formaldehyde and phenol. However, if in the process of its manufacture all process carried out competently, it is safe for human health and the environment.

Benefits and Cost

Rockwool basalt insulation has many advantages. It is environmentally friendly, safe for health and provides the opportunity to save a significant amount of energy. This material has excellent acoustic qualities and good moisture-proofing properties.


When describing Rockwool based on stone wool, one cannot fail to note such advantages as durability and resistance to temperature and mechanical stress. In addition, the material is distinguished by good vapor permeability and high strength.

What is average cost Rockwool slabs? The price of a product largely depends on its brand:


Installation features

According to reviews, Rockwool is considered one of the best products, but installation must be carried out correctly. Rockwool thermal insulation begins with slabs being glued onto prepared, cleaned surfaces and secured with special dowels that provide additional reliability. Then glue is applied to the material, a reinforcing mesh is immersed in it and covered with another layer. The final stage will be painting the walls with decorative plaster.

One of the most popular thermal insulation materials presented on the world market is ROCKWOOL insulation. International holding ROCKWOOL produces several types of products for various purposes. The main direction was and remains the production of non-combustible insulation. ROCKWOOL produces thermal insulation products under the same brand in 27 countries.

Low thermal conductivity of mineral wool

The main function of any heat-insulating material is to create and maintain a comfortable indoor microclimate. What substances best meet this requirement? These are substances with low thermal conductivity. Manufacturers of thermal insulators began producing insulation from mineral wool several decades ago. Mineral wool is the finest fibers pressed with a binder into a sheet with a thickness of 50 mm to 100 mm.

Today on the market there are fiberglass insulation materials containing sand and recycled glass. Stone wool made from basalt rocks.

Stone wool

Stone wool is one of the types of mineral

Stone wool is produced by melting basalt volcanic rock at a temperature of about 1500 C and simultaneously drawing out the fibers with the addition of binder components and water-repellent compounds. Resol resins (thermosetting), which are a product of the condensation reaction of phenols with formaldehyde, are used as a binding element. In the final product, the resins become infusible and insoluble, and therefore are safe for human health.

Research conducted on the material allowed experts to give a positive opinion on product safety. ROCKWOOL was one of the first to receive the EcoMaterialGreen certificate.

Characteristics of Rockwool insulation

Insulation in packaging

Features of production and starting materials determine the following physical and mechanical properties of Rockwool insulation:

  • The best thermal conductivity coefficients among insulation in this class: 0.036 – 0.038 W/mK. The working thickness of the insulation is 50 mm.
  • During long-term use, the fabric does not shrink due to its unusual structure and randomly arranged fibers. This distinguishes it from fiberglass, in which the fibers are located almost longitudinally. This also has a positive effect on the material’s rigidity and resistance to tearing.
  • Due to the mechanical interaction of the fibers with each other, the insulation after vertical installation does not fold under its own weight.
  • Thermal conductivity is significantly influenced by the density of the material, that is, the ratio of mass to volume. The lower the density of a substance, the higher thermal insulation properties. The density of Rockwool is about 35-37 kg/m3.
  • Treatment with water-repellent oils during the production process ensures the hydrophobicity of the insulation - the ability not to absorb moisture and repel water. Therefore, the material does not deteriorate in a humid environment, which makes it possible to use it for thermal insulation of wet rooms.
  • Rockwool insulation has high vapor permeability, which is more than 0.25 mg/(m x h x Pa). The insulation is capable of passing water vapor and air through itself. Consequently, moisture condensation does not accumulate in structures with ROCKWOOL thermal insulators. The walls and the entire house breathe freely.
  • The insulation works and how soundproofing material. A sound wave passing through the rockwool layer is attenuated in it, and sound is absorbed. The overall noise level in the premises is low.
  • The structure of the insulation is such that it contains many air pores, so it is easily compressed; compression is about 30% of the original volume.
  • The melting point of insulation fibers is over 1000 C, therefore, in conditions of fire, the material provides protection from fire to building structures and delays the process of destruction of load-bearing supports.
  • No living organisms can reside within or feed on this inorganic material. This applies to small rodents, microorganisms, and bacteria.

Areas of application

Rockwool can be used in different rooms

Thermal insulation materials of the ROCKWOOL brand, after certification studies, have conclusions about compliance with sanitary standards and regulations. They are recommended for use in outdoor and internal structures any type of building: residential, public, including medical and children's institutions, as well as industrial facilities, in the food industry inclusive.

Insulation materials are produced in the form of slabs and rolls for ease of installation in various designs. For example, rigid slabs FASAD BATTS are used to insulate the facade, and LIGHT BATTS SCANDIC slabs are used in private construction. “Vapor barrier for roofs, walls, ceilings” is produced in rolls and is used to protect load-bearing structures from the flow of water vapor.

So, ROCKWOOL products can be divided into several groups:

  • Rigid slabs;
  • Lightweight slabs;
  • Plates with additional rigidity;
  • Rolls.

There are currently many insulation materials, and they all differ from each other in the composition of raw materials, features of production technology, quality and price. Rockwool brand insulation is not inferior to other thermal insulation materials either in its properties or ease of installation, and is one of the most popular insulation materials chosen by both professionals and people involved in construction on their own.

Video about the properties of a stone slab

Knowing the properties of a stone slab will help you understand whether it is worth buying just such insulation.

Mineral wool insulation in the family of thermal insulation materials accounts for the lion's share of 80%. At the same time, obtained from rocks such as dolomite, basalt or diabase, it is of high quality, harmless and long term services. The fibrous structure formed from molten drops is used primarily in critical structures that are subject to increased reliability requirements. Flexible and universal material, which is buy stone wool can be used to isolate any building structures, communication systems, for curtain facades and other objects whose surface temperature does not exceed + 700°C.

Basic properties

Compared to other similar products, the insulation has a number of characteristic features, including:

1. Fire resistance maintained throughout the entire service life. The maximum temperature at which the material retains its properties reaches +1000°C. In many buildings, insulation is used as passive protection against fire, which is especially important when insulating boilers, fireplaces, and stoves. The material is assigned the flammability category NG.
2. Sound absorption level.
3. Thermal conductivity coefficient indicates thermal resistance and depends on the thickness of the layer. For comparison, a 10 cm sample with a density of 100 kg/m3 is taken, which should have the same properties as sand-lime brick size 200 cm, clay - 117 cm, and wooden block 25.5 cm thick. Its value varies within 00.034 W/m*K.034 and is slightly inferior to similar indicators of fiberglass.
4. Vapor permeability determines the level of humidity in the building.
5. The service life of high-quality insulation materials should be at least 40-50 years.
6. The amount of shrinkage is responsible for the formation of “cold bridges” and the smaller it is, the greater the likelihood of maintaining the geometric parameters of the material.
7. Resistance to destructive microorganisms.
8. Easy to install. Soft samples can be cut out with a knife, and dense ones can be cut with a saw.

Expert advice:

If the insulation layer is subjected to vibration or constant vertical loads, then the settlement will be significant. If you buy loose stone wool, over time it can clump into clumps and turn into dust, and its installation will be very expensive.

The assortment includes various stone wool price which depends on many nuances, but mainly on the level of quality and branding.

Competent choice of insulation

In the ranking of stone wool manufacturers, the leadership belongs to the Danish company ROCKWOOL (service life - 35 years), the Finnish manufacturer Paroc and the domestic company TechnoNikol. The top three are followed by products from URSA (30 years), KNAUF (35 years) and ISOVER (40 years).

Soft insulating samples PAROC UNS have a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.039 W/m*K. They are recommended for use on objects that are not subject to mechanical loads, for example, when constructing frames, insulating walls, constructing cardboard partitions, etc.

PAROC FAS slabs are used in “wet” plastering systems. Modified insulation materials, known as FAL-1, FAB-3, which have high bending strength and are indispensable when installed on curved surfaces. The FAB-3 material, with a thickness of only 30 mm, fits perfectly into door and window openings.

Stone wool is selected depending on the application, for example:

  • for a sloping roof, the density of the material should be 30-40 kg/m3, the best option is PAROC insulation;
  • samples with a parameter of 50 kg/m3 are selected as insulation for walls;
  • external walls are protected with a 10 cm layer. Density indicator of wool PAROC WAS 25t; equal to 80 kg/m3;
  • For residential attics and when laying floors, it is recommended to buy 15 cm PAROC EXTRA products with an indicator of 40 kg/m3;
  • Finnish has universal properties stone wool price which is in ideal proportion to its quality.

As for the domestic products of TechnoNikol, made from raw materials of the gabbro-basalt group, in its family There are several types of insulation, in particular:

  • Technolight slabs are designed for structures without load;
  • technofas is an indispensable component of plastering systems;
  • Technovent is used for ventilated structures;
  • Technoruf is recommended for use when insulating mastic or roll roofs.

The presence of water-repellent elements in Techno products gives the cotton wool a water-repellent ability, which allows it to be used in swimming pools, baths, etc.

The best stone wool, capable of withstanding high operating temperatures, is Rockwool and Knauf insulation (+500° C), followed by Ursa (+400° C) and Isover (+300° C) closes the list. Moreover, all materials, except for Ursa wool (+850° C), retain their structure and shape when heated above + 1000° C. All products are represented by mats and slabs, and Knauf and Rockwool additionally produce insulation in the form of cylinders. The most affordable materials are considered to be Izover and Ursa, and the highest cost is the expensive and high-quality material Rockwool.

The correct choice of insulation will reduce the heat loss of the insulated building and extend its service life by several years. Rockwool slabs are in great demand on the market building materials, as they are distinguished by high quality and long lasting performance characteristics. We will look further at the features, advantages and methods of insulation using Rockwool slabs.

Rockwool Company: features and characteristics of products

The Danish company Rockwool is a leader in the construction market for the production of mineral and stone wool. Rockwool products are distinguished by the following features:

  • materials are produced using the latest technologies;
  • Rockwool products are environmentally friendly and harmless to the environment;
  • thermal insulation materials help reduce electricity costs.

The Rockwool product range is related to insulation various elements. Main products include:

  • thermal insulation materials;
  • acoustic suspended ceilings;
  • artificial soils that allow you to grow vegetables and plants;
  • technical fibers for special purposes;
  • façade panels for decorative purposes;
  • panels that reduce vibration railway or on the highway;
  • services to improve the energy efficiency of various premises.

The scope of use of these products extends not only to construction, but also to other industries, such as:

  • shipbuilding;
  • production of industrial equipment;
  • manufacturing of pipelines;
  • production of air duct structures.

The Rockwool company was founded back in 1909, and began producing products based on basalt rocks twenty-eight years later. Over the years, the company has expanded and now has more than twenty-five factories around the world and approximately 9,000 employees dedicated to product development.

The main direction of work of the Rockwool company is the development the latest materials, their testing and improvement.

To make sure high quality products, we invite you to get acquainted with the leading directions and priorities of the company:

  • compliance with all laws and requirements for labor protection, ecology and occupational health;
  • constantly holding events and conversations related to preventing injuries and increasing the efficiency of the production process;
  • minimizing the company's impact on the environment;
  • conducting training for specialists in the field of energy saving and production;
  • increasing the effectiveness of the management system in relation to international requirements;
  • rational use of resources and reduction of their consumption;
  • use of the most appropriate and available technologies, techniques and practices.

Advantages of using Rockwool slabs

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the advantages of using Rockwool mineral wool slabs:

  • insulation made from Rockwool mineral wool slabs is quite durable and therefore reliable;
  • all structures are fireproof and fire-resistant, which means the risk of fire spreading during a fire is reduced;
  • these plates provide ideal thermal insulation, and, accordingly, reduce the risk of heat loss during the cold season and significantly reduce the cost of heating the premises;
  • Mineral wool slabs, which have a thermal insulating effect, are excellent sound insulators, and therefore provide a comfortable stay in an insulated room;
  • such positive quality slabs as vapor permeability allows you to regulate the level of humidity in the room: in winter time during the year, excess moisture is removed outside, and in summer the room does not overheat;
  • there are no cold bridges during the installation process, since the slabs do not shrink and completely fill all the cracks;
  • mineral wool does not absorb moisture, which means that fungi and mold do not form in it over time;
  • The slabs are highly resistant to mechanical stress, easy to install and quick to cut.

“Rockwool” characteristics and origin

Rockwool stone wool slabs are made from natural stones, therefore they are used in almost any construction industry. The stone wool production process is reminiscent of a volcanic eruption, as naturally This is exactly how it is made.

In order to make stone wool, ordinary stone is used, which is melted in a special furnace to a temperature of 1400-1500 degrees. The material forms an alloy that is exposed to powerful air currents, turning it into cotton fibers. With the help of additives they are given shape and made moisture resistant. This material is used to form a material in the form of slabs, which after hardening are ready for use.

When studying reviews about Rockwool insulation, one should highlight a number of characteristics that it has: environmental friendliness, fire safety, heat resistance, sound insulation and durability.

The price for Rockwool slabs depends on factors such as:

  • characteristics of the slab;
  • her appearance;
  • the presence of additional properties or layers;
  • amount of material required;
  • scope of application.

Products of the Rockwool company

We suggest starting your acquaintance with Rockwool products with OEM thermal insulating sandwich panels. They are suitable for thermal insulation of walls and have two outer layers and one inner layer. There is insulation inside the panel, and reinforced concrete on the sides. This material successfully used both indoors and outdoors.

Sandwich panels of the usual type are a layer of insulation sheathed with galvanized painted steel. The outer layer of the panel is resistant to corrosion and moisture. Inner surface made of semi-rigid basalt fiber board. To ensure durable and reliable connection insulation with sheathing, high quality polyurethane adhesive is used.

This material is characterized by high energy efficiency, mechanical stability, but at the same time lightness. It is environmentally friendly and resistant to chemicals.

Rockwool wall insulation is characterized by excellent performance characteristics and ease of installation. We suggest considering materials designed for insulating a private house or apartment:

1. “Rockwool Light Butts Scandic” - is the best product among the insulation materials of this group. This material is a lightweight hybrophobic heat-insulating board, which is based on stone wool of basalt origin. The uniqueness of this product lies in the technology for developing stone wool fibers. providing the possibility of its compression by seventy percent. The material practically does not shrink and has high technical characteristics, and the flexi technology gives the extreme zone of the slab the ability to compress and expand, thus, there are no gaps between the slabs. The slabs are vacuum packed, so they do not take up much space during transportation and storage. They are used in the process of insulating structures with light floors, such as attics, partitions, interfloor ceilings, walls.

2. “Rockwool Rockfacade” - rigid thermal insulation slabs, which are used to install thermal insulation on the external facade of a building. The material provides excellent heat and sound insulation, and also allows you to apply a layer of plaster on it. Available packaged in polyethylene film.

3. “Rockwool Cavity Butts” - products in the form of lightweight waterproof thermal insulation boards, which are based on basalt stone wool. It is used for arranging the middle layer of thermal insulation, when constructing three-layer external walls with small-piece materials.

4. “Rockwool Fire Butts” - produced in two varieties: with and without aluminum coating. Products are used during thermal insulation works for insulating the flat surface of a fireplace, stove or other equipment characterized by working with high temperatures. Stone wool can withstand temperatures of more than 700 degrees, and “Rockwool” foil up to 500 degrees.

5. “Rockwool sauna Butts” - a material in the form of soft thermal insulation boards that perfectly resist deformation influences and are coated with aluminum foil. This product does an excellent job of thermal insulation of a bath, steam room or sauna. After installing these slabs, additional vapor barrier is not required.

6. “Rockwool Acoustic Butts” - soundproofing slabs based on stone wool, which has a chaotic intersection of fibers and a dense structure. A large number of tests carried out confirm that the slabs have good noise-absorbing characteristics and no shrinkage. It is recommended to use it to ensure sound insulation of ceiling, cladding, interfloor and frame structures.

7. “Rockwool Floor Butts” - thermal insulation slabs based on basalt stone wool. They are used for the construction of thermal insulation structures on ground floors or in the construction of floating acoustic floors.

8. “Rockwool Acoustic Butts PRO” - noise-absorbing slabs, developed using a special technology for the arrangement of cotton wool fibers, therefore they are distinguished by high noise-absorbing properties and a long service life. They are distinguished by increased density compared to Acoustic Butts slabs.

9. “Rockwool Concrete Element Butts” - material in the form of rigid slabs with water-repellent and thermal insulation characteristics. Used for installation as an inner layer in a three-layer concrete or reinforced concrete panel.

10. “Rockwool Venti Butts” - thermal insulation slabs used for furnishing facade system hinged type with an air gap. When using these slabs, windproof film is not required.

11. “Rockwool Roof Butts Combi” - thermal insulation boards that are used for the installation of multi-layer cement floors in which there is no cement screed.

Roofing system “Rockwool”

Considering insulation materials“Rockwool” for roofing, it is worth highlighting several types of roofing on which they are used. There are insulation materials for:

  • exploited roof;
  • soft type roofs;
  • adhesive roofing.

The roof is the top covering, which bears a large load, so the materials used for its thermal insulation must be of high quality.

Since the main function of the roof is to protect the building from ingress atmospheric precipitation, in the form of rain or snow, so the worst damage to it is the appearance of leaks.

The Rockwool company produces roofing thermal and waterproofing systems. This system is a type soft roof, on which there is no top tie, and top layer covered with a waterproofing carpet. The roofing system consists of main and additional elements, which make it possible to implement complete installation soft roof. The main part is a profiled steel sheet and a reinforced concrete slab.

The system includes components that have been repeatedly tested for compatibility and are characterized by a long service life of more than 45 years. Thanks to the installation of a polyvinyl chloride membrane and a vapor barrier layer, water vapor escapes from the room and, thus, the heating layer is dried independently. This process avoids the accumulation of moisture, the occurrence of mold and mildew, and also regulates the humidity in the room.

The Rockwool roofing system includes:

  • films for vapor barrier;
  • thermal insulation boards;
  • systems for fixing components on the roof;
  • roofing waterproofing membrane;
  • stone wool parts, designed for installation on sloping surfaces.

The main advantages of this system are:

  • lightweight construction that does not load the building;
  • high level of thermal insulation properties;
  • resistance to mechanical stress;
  • strength of mechanical fixation;
  • the use of fireproof thermal insulation boards that protect the structure from the formation of fires and the spread of flame;
  • the system provides maximum protection from precipitation;
  • quick and easy installation, as well as room for repairs;
  • the roof is installed as pitched roofs, and on roofs with zero clone;
  • high and long-term performance characteristics.

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